4. SPIRITUAL GROWTH – A JOURNEY AND THE GOAL
What is the next goal of the Christian life? The Scriptures have much to say about what we should do.
In 3 John 2 we find a key verse. The verse says, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” Notice the latter part of the verse which says, “just as your soul prospers.”
According to this verse, when your soul prospers you will also prosper in other areas and be in health. It’s like a mother duck that has two ducklings. The two ducklings follow the mother duck wherever she goes. The same is true when your soul prospers – prosperity and health will always follow.
When I read this I had to ask myself the questions, “How do I know if my soul is prospering?” It was at that point that I began studying this scripture to find out what God meant. The Lord showed me that when a person’s soul prospers he or she becomes more like the Lord Jesus Christ. When we become more like Him, we begin to act more like Him. Then we will have the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:29 says, “Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, so that the Son would be the first among many believers” (GNT). According to this verse, God has set you apart to become like His Son.
Another translation of this verse says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (NIVUK). This verse reveals that God knows about your future before you arrive there. He knew you before you were born. You are also predestined. Predestined for what? You have been predestined to be like the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ is the firstborn so we can follow Him. This is one of the goals of the Christian life.
Continue To Chapter 5. The Rapture
Chapter 1. The Gospel – Good News • Chapter 2. Adam – Sin • Chapter 3. Repentance – The New Birth • Chapter 4. Spiritual Growth – A Journey and The Goal • Chapter 5. The Rapture • Chapter 6. Renewing of The Mind • Chapter 7. Discipleship • Chapter 8. Fruit of the Spirit – Fruit of The Flesh • Chapter 9. Other Important Scriptures • Chapter 10. How to Be Like The Lord Jesus Christ • Final Words • About The Author • What Others Are Saying About This Book • Bibliography
